Arsenal star duo William Saliba and Gabriel are the best defensive pairing since the Invincibles, claims Sol Campbell… but the Gunners icon admits there is one issue that could cost them in the title race

William Saliba and Gabriel are Arsenal's best defensive partnership since the Invincibles, claims Sol Campbell.

The pair have become Mikel Arteta's first-choice centre-back in a Gunners backline that has conceded just 14 goals in 15 games, securing themselves the best defensive record in the competition alongside Liverpool.

It's a partnership that has helped Arsenal return to the top of the Premier League as they battle for their first title since the 2003/04 Invincibles season.

Campbell was a key part of that squad after joining on a free transfer from Tottenham that summer. He partnered Kolo Toure in 25 of 38 matches as Arsène Wenger's side conceded just 26 goals on their way to an undefeated season.

And the former Gunner was full of praise for the current duo at the club, speaking to them and speaking up The sunthe best pair since the record season 19 years ago.

Sol Campbell has claimed that William Saliba (left) and Gabriel (right) are Arsenal's best defensive partnership since the Invincibles

Campbell (second from right) teamed up with Kolo Toure (second from left) in 25 of the 38 matches in the 2003/04 season

Arsenal's current team has helped give the Gunners the best defensive record in the Premier League

“You'd have to say, yes (they are),” Campbell said. 'No disrespect to the others who came after me and before this current partnership, but Gabriel and Saliba have arrived at exactly the right time for Arsenal.

'Right now it's beautiful. They have been given time to build a relationship. They play incredible football and they don't joke around. You can see the will in their eyes, the fire in their bellies.

'It's not perfect, but still so strong. They really have confidence. Once you have it, never disrespect it.

'That old Roman saying about never resting on your laurels, that's when big mistakes can happen.

'You win titles and cups by having a strong backline pair, and Arsenal have that to look forward to in the coming years. Long may it last.”

Mikel Arteta's side top the table and the Spaniard hopes they are better equipped for a title challenge this season

However, Campbell suggested Arsenal's goalkeeping problem could cause problems

While it hasn't been the perfect season for Arsenal, Arteta's side are two points clear at the top of the division, six points clear of Manchester City, who beat them last year, despite the London side spending most of the season at the bottom. was in charge. .

Arsenal may have more experience of a challenge this time around, but Campbell picked out a key part of Arsenal's defensive setup that could cause problems this time.

“The only tricky thing is the situation between David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale,” he said. 'In those really exciting moments, on the edge, you have to know exactly what your goalkeeper is going to do.

'If the situation keeps changing, or if this situation continues, no centre-back is going to turn around and say, 'Yes, we don't care.' Your mentality changes. Doubt creeps in. At this elite level, even half a second of thinking can cost you.”